Convert 8 lug down to 5 lug

[Kiwif150]

Been doing some digging into weight regulations out here for importing an idi ..... my old f150 is pretty tidy and while i can/ could convert it if i have to. iv'e been wondering if i could get a F250 to comply with our 7700lb rules which would save me doing a rhd conversion. That would mean i'd be able to sell of the f150 and basically have it cover the cost of importing and complying the f250. My question is this , Is it possible to fit 5 lug hubs onto the front end of a 4x4 f250 or am i better to go to a wrecking yard and buy both the rear axle and front 4wd assembly to fit under it?

 

[Hydro-idi]

Ehh.....probably wouldn't trust a 5 lug assembly on the front end of these f250's. The engines are HEAVY and would likely snap off the studs at some point.

 

[Sidewinded_idi]

I wouldn't distrust the five lug. They have been pushed off road many times which exert much more force than the static pressure of the idi weight. I'd say if the outers bolt up jump on it. May have to swap the rear end though

 

[jwalterus]

iv'e been wondering if i could get a F250 to comply with our 7700lb rules which would save me doing a rhd conversion.

Truthfully, no, it's still a 3/4 ton.
Buy a 250, swap a 150 cab on, title as half ton.

 

[79jasper]

A lot of drag cars use 5 lug. I guess that's a little different though. Lol

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[Dieselcrawler]

If it has a d44hd, then the 5 lug hubs should slide on over the spindles

 

[snicklas]

Aren't the semi-float F-250's less than 7700, or is that the 8600 break?

 

[theSHERPA]

My early bronco rock crawler has a D60 under it, converted from 8 bolt to 5.5 x 5. It's an expensive conversion using all aftermarket and custom stuff. There is no bolt on solution, other than swapping a D44 for the D60. I would not recommend it for your situation.


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[ISPKI]

My 94 f250 is 8600lbs, maybe the light duty ones with the 5.8 is a lighter gvw? Either way, I wouldnt play around with going to less lugs. Have you looked into installing a smaller diesel into your truck such as a 4bt?

 

[Pullet]

My '90 f250 RC LB 4x4 was recently on a scale at ~6200# with my everyday ballast included. You might make 7700#, depending on options.
How many pounds saved on 5 lug? I think you'd be better served by losing weight elsewhere. Sound insulation, extra fuel tank, different bed..

How many times do you have to prove weight? In these United States, I've only ever been on a scale for commercial documentation or personal curiosity..

 

[u2slow]

Aren't the semi-float F-250's less than 7700, or is that the 8600 break?

7700# stands out as the GVWR for the 97+ 7-lug F250(LD).

I believe the older F250 semi-floats were lower GVWR too, but don't know the exact figure... usually had 300 or 302 engines. Don't think I've seen one newer than '91.

My strategy would be to use the complete diesel chassis with a F150 body/registration. Both Dodge and GM had factory 8-lug '1500 series' trucks at one time or another.

 

[79jasper]

They had 6 lug 1500's.

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[u2slow]

Is it possible to fit 5 lug hubs onto the front end of a 4x4 f250 or am i better to go to a wrecking yard and buy both the rear axle and front 4wd assembly to fit under it?

The 5-lug spindle may have a smaller inner bearing, and the caliper mount is tailored for the smaller diameter 5lug rotor. You can probably swap it all from the balljoints out. There may have been a brake improvement for '96 on the 1/2 tons.

The rear I would use a Ford 9" for simplicity and decent strength.

They had 6 lug 1500's.

Ya, no shortage of 6-lug. I was thinking of the 8-lug Suburban 1500 ('01-02ish diesel), and 8-lug MegaCab 1500.

 

[franklin2]

You can't do spindle swaps and go from one lug pattern to another. People have tried to convert from 5 lug to 8 lug and they only way they did it was to cobble together chevy spindles and parts to get it converted.

And 1/2 ton axles won't fit under the 3/4 ton frame, the suspension is different if it's 4x4. I have always wondered though if a 1/2ton 4x4 ttb would bolt under the 2wd f250 frame. I think it would be very close to fitting up.

 

[mblaney]

Cab swap! Dog dish the wheels if 8 lug is an issue ( cover them with the ugly pie plate Hub covers that I love on my truck).